The 2026 Track World Championships are set to kick off this week at the Shanghai Velodrome, running from 14 to 18 October. This event is a crucial stepping stone for athletes, marking the first track cycling qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with 22 titles up for grabs.
Great Britain will field a strong team, including eight world title winners and eight Olympic medallists, despite the retirements of reigning Madison world champion Katie Archibald and Olympic team sprint champion Katy Marchant earlier this year. Emma Finucane and Sophie Capewell, Olympic team sprint champions, will be aiming to reclaim their world title. Finucane arrives in Shanghai after securing four gold medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The men's team includes Matt Richardson, who returns from injury after beating Harrie Lavreysen to win the European sprint title. Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist Harry Ledingham-Horn will also be competing. GB endurance veterans Ethan Vernon, Mark Stewart, and Ollie Wood bring significant experience, with a combined 15 Olympic and world medals.